Providing and receiving wireless broadcasts

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving content wirelessly via mobile devices. For example, in one embodiment, a distribution device can receive an over-the-air broadcast, transcode the over-the-air broadcast, and broadcast the transcoded broadcast to mobile devices within range.

BACKGROUND

At present, there are over 700 major network television affiliates,1,600 smaller network television affiliates, and 3,000 communitybroadcasters across the United States. Various entities need a solutionthat will allow them to deliver such broadcasts (and/or other content)via wireless networks while complying with applicable laws.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present invention provide systems,methods, apparatus, and computer program products for wirelesslyproviding transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving contentwirelessly via mobile devices.

In accordance with one aspect, a method wirelessly providing at leastone transcoded broadcast to mobile devices is provided. In oneembodiment, the method comprises (1) receiving an over-the-air broadcastfrom a broadcast system, wherein the over-the-air broadcast (a) isassociated with a broadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-air broadcastformat; (2) transcoding the over-the-air broadcast in the over-the-airbroadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcastformat; and (3) wirelessly broadcasting the transcoded broadcast.

In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code isprovided. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code may be configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to at least (1) receive an over-the-air broadcast from abroadcast system, wherein the over-the-air broadcast (a) is associatedwith a broadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format;(2) transcode the over-the-air broadcast in the over-the-air broadcastformat to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format; and(3) wirelessly broadcast the transcoded broadcast.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a computer program productwirelessly providing at least one transcoded broadcast to mobile devicesis provided. The computer program product may comprise at least onecomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program codeportions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portionscomprising executable portions configured to (1) receive an over-the-airbroadcast from a broadcast system, wherein the over-the-air broadcast(a) is associated with a broadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-airbroadcast format; (2) transcode the over-the-air broadcast in theover-the-air broadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in a transcodedbroadcast format; and (3) wirelessly broadcast the transcoded broadcast.

In accordance with one aspect, a method for wirelessly providingtranscoded broadcasts to mobile devices s is provided. In oneembodiment, the method comprises (1) receiving a plurality ofover-the-air broadcasts from respective broadcast systems, wherein eachof the plurality of over-the-air broadcasts (a) is associated with abroadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format; (2)transcoding each of the plurality of over-the-air broadcasts to atranscoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format; and (3)wirelessly broadcasting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcasts.

In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code isprovided. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code may be configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to at least (1) receive a plurality of over-the-air broadcastsfrom respective broadcast systems, wherein each of the plurality ofover-the-air broadcasts (a) is associated with a broadcast area and (b)is in an over-the-air broadcast format; (2) transcode each of theplurality of over-the-air broadcasts to a transcoded broadcast in atranscoded broadcast format; and (3) wirelessly broadcast each of theplurality of transcoded broadcasts.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a computer program product forwirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices isprovided. The computer program product may comprise at least onecomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program codeportions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portionscomprising executable portions configured to (1) receive a plurality ofover-the-air broadcasts from respective broadcast systems, wherein eachof the plurality of over-the-air broadcasts (a) is associated with abroadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format; (2)transcode each of the plurality of over-the-air broadcasts to atranscoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format; and (3)wirelessly broadcast each of the plurality of transcoded broadcasts.

In accordance with one aspect, a method for wirelessly receiving atleast one transcoded broadcast is provided. In one embodiment, themethod comprises wirelessly receiving a transcoded broadcast that iswirelessly broadcast from a distribution device, wherein thedistribution device: received the transcoded broadcast as anover-the-air broadcast from a broadcast system, wherein the over-the-airbroadcast (a) is associated with a broadcast area and (b) is in anover-the-air broadcast format, transcoded the over-the-air broadcast inthe over-the-air broadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in atranscoded broadcast format, and wirelessly broadcast the transcodedbroadcast.

In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code isprovided. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code may be configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to at least wirelessly receive a transcoded broadcast that iswirelessly broadcast from a distribution device, wherein thedistribution device: received the transcoded broadcast as anover-the-air broadcast from a broadcast system, wherein the over-the-airbroadcast (a) is associated with a broadcast area and (b) is in anover-the-air broadcast format, transcoded the over-the-air broadcast inthe over-the-air broadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in atranscoded broadcast format, and wirelessly broadcast the transcodedbroadcast.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a computer program product forwirelessly receiving at least one transcoded broadcast is provided. Thecomputer program product may comprise at least one computer-readablestorage medium having computer-readable program code portions storedtherein, the computer-readable program code portions comprisingexecutable portions configured to wirelessly receive a transcodedbroadcast that is wirelessly broadcast from a distribution device,wherein the distribution device: received the transcoded broadcast as anover-the-air broadcast from a broadcast system, wherein the over-the-airbroadcast (a) is associated with a broadcast area and (b) is in anover-the-air broadcast format, transcoded the over-the-air broadcast inthe over-the-air broadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in atranscoded broadcast format, and wirelessly broadcast the transcodedbroadcast.

In accordance with one aspect, a method for wirelessly receiving aplurality of transcoded broadcasts is provided. In one embodiment, themethod comprises wirelessly receiving a plurality of transcodedbroadcasts that are wirelessly broadcast from a distribution device,wherein the distribution device: received each of the plurality of thetranscoded broadcasts as an over-the-air broadcast from respectivebroadcast systems, wherein each of the over-the-air broadcasts (a) isassociated with a broadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-air broadcastformat, transcoded each of the over-the-air broadcasts to a transcodedbroadcast in a transcoded broadcast format, and wirelessly broadcast thetranscoded broadcast.

In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code isprovided. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code may be configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to at least wirelessly receive a plurality of transcodedbroadcasts that are wirelessly broadcast from a distribution device,wherein the distribution device: received each of the plurality of thetranscoded broadcasts as an over-the-air broadcast from respectivebroadcast systems, wherein each of the over-the-air broadcasts (a) isassociated with a broadcast area and (b) is in an over-the-air broadcastformat, transcoded each of the over-the-air broadcasts to a transcodedbroadcast in a transcoded broadcast format, and wirelessly broadcast thetranscoded broadcast.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a computer program product forwirelessly receiving a plurality of transcoded broadcasts is provided.The computer program product may comprise at least one computer-readablestorage medium having computer-readable program code portions storedtherein, the computer-readable program code portions comprisingexecutable portions configured to wirelessly receive a plurality oftranscoded broadcasts that are wirelessly broadcast from a distributiondevice, wherein the distribution device: received each of the pluralityof the transcoded broadcasts as an over-the-air broadcast fromrespective broadcast systems, wherein each of the over-the-airbroadcasts (a) is associated with a broadcast area and (b) is in anover-the-air broadcast format, transcoded each of the over-the-airbroadcasts to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format,and wirelessly broadcast the transcoded broadcast.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an overview of a system that can be used to practice variousembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows broadcast areas served by broadcast systems according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic of a broadcast system according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic of a distribution device according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic of a mobile device according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations and processes that can beused in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show exemplary input and output (including userinteractions) that can be produced in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention now will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, theseinventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. The term “or” is used herein in both the alternativeand conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. Like numbers refer tolike elements throughout. The term “exemplary” is used to be an examplewith no indication of quality level.

I. Methods, Apparatus, Systems, and Computer Program Products

As should be appreciated, various embodiments may be implemented invarious ways, including as methods, apparatus, systems, or computerprogram products. Accordingly, various embodiments may take the form ofan entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment in which a processor isprogrammed to perform certain steps. Furthermore, variousimplementations may take the form of a computer program product on acomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable programinstructions embodied in the storage medium. Any suitablecomputer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks,CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to block diagramsand flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus, systems, and computerprogram products. It should be understood that each block of the blockdiagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, may be implementedin part by computer program instructions, e.g., as logical steps oroperations executing on a processor in a computing system. Thesecomputer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer, such as aspecial purpose computer or other programmable data processing apparatusto produce a specifically-configured machine, such that the instructionswhich execute on the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the functionality specified in theflowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also beloaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatusto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computeror other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implementedprocess such that the instructions that execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport various combinations for performing the specified functions,combinations of operations for performing the specified functions andprogram instructions for performing the specified functions. It shouldalso be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions oroperations, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

II. Exemplary System Architecture

FIG. 1 provides an illustration of a system that may be used inconjunction with various embodiments of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 1, the system may include one or more broadcast systems 100, oneor more distribution devices 105, one or more networks, and one or moremobile devices 110. Each of the components of the system may be inelectronic communication with, for example, one another over the same ordifferent wireless or wired networks including, for example, a wired orwireless Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN),Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and/or thelike. Additionally, while FIG. 1 illustrates certain system entities asseparate, standalone entities, the various embodiments are not limitedto this particular architecture.

1. Broadcast System

Embodiments of the present invention may be used in combination with avariety of broadcast systems 100 corresponding, for example, todifferent broadcasters. For instance, in the Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-IowaCity-Dubuque broadcast area, the broadcasters may be KCRG, KFXA, KFXB,KGAN, KIIN, KPXR, KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL. Further, a broadcastsystem 100 may be an over-the-air (OTA) broadcast system, a cablebroadcast system, a satellite broadcast system, and/or a variety ofother systems for transmitting/broadcasting broadcasts.

a. Over-the-Air Broadcast System

FIG. 2 provides an exemplary schematic representative of an OTAbroadcast system 100 that can be used in conjunction with embodiments ofthe present invention. The OTA broadcast system 100 may be owned and/oroperated by a broadcaster (e.g., KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN, KPXR,KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL) and associated with a broadcast area(e.g., Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque broadcast area).Broadcast areas may be designated market areas (DMAs), zip codes, blockgroups, census tracts, cartographic levels, government-establishedareas/zones, geographic areas, and/or the like. As will be recognized, abroadcaster may have one or more OTA broadcast systems 100 depending onthe geographic area (e.g., DMA, zip code, block group, census tract,cartographic level, government-established area/zone, geographic area,and/or the like) the broadcast area includes.

An OTA broadcast system 100 may include various components totransmit/broadcast content and/or data via an OTA broadcast (e.g., anOTA broadcast signal) to be received by one or more distribution devices105. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the OTA broadcast system 100may include one or more channel coding elements 200, one or moremodulation elements 205, and one or more transmitters 210. Although notshown, the OTA broadcast system 100 may also include various othercomponents, such as audio subsystems, video subsystems, multiplexers,exciters, drivers, amplifiers, network interfaces, processing elements,and/or the like. Via these elements, for instance, the OTA broadcastsystem 100 can transmit/broadcast OTA broadcasts (comprising contentand/or data) within a broadcast area. The OTA broadcast system 100 maytransmit/broadcast the broadcast (e.g., OTA broadcast) in a firstbroadcast format using a variety of standards and protocols, such asAdvanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), Terrestrial IntegratedServices Digital Broadcasting (ISDB-T), Terrestrial Digital MultimediaBroadcasting (T-DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T),Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H), Digital TerrestrialMultimedia Broadcast (DTMB), Satellite Terrestrial InteractiveMulti-service Infrastructure (STiMi), National Television SystemCommittee (NTSC) standards and protocols, and/or the like.

As indicated, the broadcast (e.g., OTA broadcast) may include bothcontent and/or data. Generally, the term “content” may refer to any typeof media, whether audio, video, text, and/or the like. For example,content may include television broadcasts (e.g., live local newscasts),television programs (e.g., The Office), sporting events, movies (e.g.,video-on-demand (VOD)), datacasts, music, images, videos, text,webpages, and/or the like. The term “data” may refer to any type ofdata, including ancillary data, control data, conditional access controldata, data associated with program audio and/or video services (e.g.,closed captioning), and/or the like.

It will be appreciated that one or more of a broadcast system's 100components and other broadcaster components may be located remotely fromone another. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combinedand additional components performing functions described herein may beincluded.

b. Cable Broadcast System

Although not shown, a cable broadcast system (also referred to as abroadcast system 100) may be used with embodiments of the presentinvention. A cable broadcast system may include various components totransmit/broadcast content and/or data via the cable provider'sbroadcast system to the cable provider's subscribers. For example, invarious embodiments, the cable broadcast system may include a networkoperations center, a cable modem termination system, and a headend totransmit cable broadcasts (e.g., digital cable signals) through thecable provider's distribution network to distribution devices 105. Thus,distribution devices 105 may communicate with a headend over adistribution network. The distribution devices 105 may the broadcastcontent and/or data from the cable broadcast system wirelessly forreception by mobile devices 110 within range.

To perform such functions, the cable broadcast system may includevarious components, such as audio subsystems, video subsystems,multiplexers, switches, encoders satellite receivers and antennae,network interfaces, decoding elements, encoding elements, processingelements, transmitting elements, modulation elements, and/or the like.The cable broadcast system may be capable of receiving content and/ordata and/or transmitting content and/or data (e.g., transmit broadcastsignals in a one-to-many or broadcast configuration) in a firstbroadcast format using a variety of standards and protocols todistribution devices 105, including those described with regard to theOTA broadcast system 100 and/or further including various versions ofdata over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS).

c. Satellite Broadcast System

Although not shown, a satellite broadcast system (also referred to as abroadcast system 100) may be used with embodiments of the presentinvention. A satellite broadcast system may include various componentsto transmit/broadcast content and/or data (e.g., transmit broadcastsignals in a one-to-many or broadcast configuration) via the satelliteprovider's broadcast system to distribution devices 105 (e.g.,subscribers). For example, in various embodiments, the satellitebroadcast system may include uplink facilities (with transmittingantennae), satellites (with transponders), receiving satellite dishes,and/or distribution devices 105. Thus, the satellite broadcast systemcan transmit/broadcast satellite broadcasts (comprising content and/ordata) to distribution devices 105 in a first broadcast format using avariety of standards and protocols, such as those described with regardto the OTA broadcast system 100 and/or further including directbroadcast satellite (DBS), television receive only (TVRO), and/or thelike.

2. Distribution Device

FIG. 4 provides an exemplary schematic representative of a distributiondevice 105 that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of thepresent invention. In general, the term “distribution device” may referto, for example, a device located within a specific broadcast area(e.g., DMA, zip code, block group, census tract, cartographic level,government-established area/zone, geographic area, and/or the like).Further, the term “device” used herein may refer to, for example, one ormore computers, computing devices, computing entities, mobile phones,desktops, tablets, notebooks, laptops, distributed systems, servers,blades, gateways, switches, processing devices, processing entities,relays, routers, network access points, base stations, the like, and/orany combination of devices or entities adapted to perform the functions,operations, and/or processes described herein.

The distribution device 105 may include one or more antennae (notshown), one or more receivers (not shown), one or more tuners or tunercards (not shown), a transcoding element 400, one or more modulationelements 405, one or more transmitters 410, one or more receivers (notshown), one or more network interfaces (not shown), one or moreprocessing elements, and/or the like. In one embodiment, via the one ormore antennae, receivers, and/or tuners or tuner cards, the distributiondevice 105 can receive broadcasts from various broadcast systems 100corresponding to respective broadcasters (see FIG. 2). For example, adistribution device 105 positioned at an airport (e.g., Eastern IowaAirport, Waterloo Regional Airport, Dubuque Regional Airport) in theCedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque broadcast area maysimultaneously or substantially simultaneously receive OTA broadcastsfrom KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN, KPXR, KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL.In embodiment, the distribution device 105 may receive broadcasts ofcontent and/or data from one or more broadcast systems 100 in a varietyof formats, including ATSC, ISDB-T, T-DMB, DVB-T, DVB-H, STiMi, NTSC,DBS, TVRO, DOCSIS, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the format thedata and/or content are received by the distribution device 105 from thebroadcast system 100 may be referred to as the first broadcast format,first format, satellite format, cable format, OTA format, and/or thelike. The format may define the standards, protocols, displayresolutions (vertical and horizontal), aspect ratios, pixel aspectratios (e.g., square, non-square), scanning (e.g., progressive,interlaced, etc.), frame/field rates, containers, codecs, and/or thelike for the corresponding content and/or data (e.g., receivedbroadcast).

After receiving such broadcasts, one or more transcoding elements 400may provide for direct digital-to-digital conversion of content and/ordata (e.g., a broadcast) in the various broadcasts from one encoding toanother referred to herein as a transcoded format, a second format,and/or the like. In one embodiment, transcoding may convert a broadcast(e.g., an OTA broadcast comprising content and/or data) to a lower bitrate, for example, or from an incompatible or obsolete format to abetter-supported or modern format. For instance, the transcoding element400 may transcode/convert the broadcast received in the OTA broadcastformat to a transcoded broadcast format, such as H.264, H.263, FlashVideo (FLV), Hypertext Markup Language 5 (HTML5), VP6, VP8, variousMoving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) formats, and/or the like. Thus, thetranscoded format may also define the standards, protocols, displayresolutions (vertical and horizontal), aspect ratios, pixel aspectratios (e.g., square, non-square), scanning (e.g., progressive,interlaced, etc.), frame/field rates, containers, codecs, and/or thelike for the corresponding content and/or data (e.g., transcodedbroadcast).

The distribution device 105 may also be capable of operating with one ormore air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types,and access types. More particularly, the distribution device 105 mayoperate in accordance with any of wireless standards and protocols,and/or the like. For example, the distribution device 105 may operate inaccordance with any of a number of different wireless networkingtechniques, such as general packet radio service (GPRS), UniversalMobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division MultipleAccess (WCDMA), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access(TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal TerrestrialRadio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), HighSpeed Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), 802.16 (WiMAX), ultra wideband (UWB), infrared (IR)protocols, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB)protocols, a number of second-generation (2G) protocols,third-generation (3G) protocols, fourth-generation (4G) protocols,and/or any other wireless protocol. Using such wireless standards andprotocols, the distribution device 105 can unicast, multicast, and/orbroadcast (e.g., using WiFi) the transcoded content and/or data tomobile devices 110 within the distribution device's 105 range. Forexample, the distribution device 105 can unicast, multicast, and/orbroadcast (e.g., using WiFi) the broadcasts it received and transcodedfrom KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN, KPXR, KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL.In a particular embodiment, the distribution device 105 can broadcastthe broadcasts it received and transcoded using WiFi. In one embodiment,Wi-Fi may have a broadcast range of up to 110 feet indoors and 300 feetoutdoors, which can be extended by using multiple distribution devices105 or repeaters placed in different locations and/or using othertechniques and approaches. Range limitations may limit access totranscoded broadcasts due to the limited range of thetransmission/broadcast.

In one embodiment, the distribution device 105 can also perform andsupport various encryption and decryption methods and techniques. Suchencryption and decryption methods and techniques can be performed atvarious levels. For example, in one embodiment, for at least someinstances, the distribution device 105 can encrypt the broadcasts ofcontent and/or data such that the content and/or data can only bedecrypted by mobile devices 110 with the appropriate decryption ability.As will be recognized, a variety of approaches and techniques can beused to adapt to various needs and circumstances.

It will be appreciated that one or more of a distribution device's 105components and other broadcaster components may be located remotely fromone another. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combinedand additional components performing functions described herein may beincluded.

3. Mobile Device

FIG. 5 provides an exemplary schematic representative of a mobile device110 (e.g., an electronic device) that can be used in conjunction withembodiments of the present invention. As previously described, the term“device” used herein may refer to, for example, one or more computers,computing devices, computing entities, mobile phones, desktops, tablets,notebooks, laptops, distributed systems, servers, blades, gateways,switches, processing devices, processing entities, relays, routers,network access points, base stations, the like, and/or any combinationof devices or entities adapted to perform the functions, operations,and/or processes described herein. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile device110 may include an antenna 512, a transmitter 504, a receiver 506, anetwork interface 520, tuner or tuner card (not shown), and a processingdevice 508 (e.g., a processor, controller, and/or the like) thatprovides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter 504(and/or network interface 520) and receiver 506 (and/or networkinterface 520).

The signals provided to the transmitter 504 (and/or network interface520) and received from the receiver 506 (and/or network interface 520)may include signaling information in accordance with an air interfacestandard of applicable wireless systems (or wired systems). For example,the mobile device 110 may be capable of operating with one or morestandards, communication protocols, modulation types, and access typesas described above with respect to the distribution device 105. In oneembodiment, the mobile device 110 can receive one or more transcodedbroadcasts from the distribution device 105 and cause display of thesame (see FIG. 9).

The mobile device 110 may also comprise a user interface (that caninclude a display 516 coupled to a processing device 508) and/or a userinput interface (coupled to the processing device 508). The user inputinterface can comprise any of a number of devices allowing the mobiledevice 110 to receive input and/or data, such as a keypad 518, a touchdisplay, voice or motion interfaces, or other input device. In oneembodiment, the mobile device 110 use an interactive guide, for example,to allow the user to access transcoded content (see FIGS. 7, 8, and 9).The mobile device 110 can also include volatile memory 522 and/ornon-volatile memory 524, which can be embedded and/or may be removableas described above with respect to the distribution device 105. Thememory can store any of a number of pieces or amount of information/dataused by the mobile device 110, such as a module, program, application,and/or the like.

III. Exemplary System Operation

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 6-9. FIG. 6 is a flowchartillustrating operations and processes that may be performed forproviding content wirelessly to mobile devices 110. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9show exemplary input and output (including user interactions) that canbe produced in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposesonly and should not be taken in any way as limiting embodiments of thepresent invention to the examples provided.

1. Authenticating Distribution Devices

In one embodiment, a distribution device 105 can be authenticated asbeing within, proximate, or associated with a broadcast area. Systems,methods, apparatus, computer program products, techniques, and conceptsfor authenticating distribution devices 105 are described in U.S. Pat.No. 8,255,944; U.S. Pat. No. 8,255,945; U.S. Pat. No. 8,255,946; U.S.Pat. No. 8,255,947; U.S. Pat. No. 8,255,940; U.S. Pat. No. 8,255,941;U.S. Pat. No. 8,255,942; U.S. Pat. No. 8,255,943; U.S. Publ. Appl. No.2012-0196596; U.S. Publ. Appl. No. 2012-0196595; U.S. application Ser.No. 13/547,831; and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/547,934. These Patents,published applications, and applications are hereby incorporated hereinin their entireties by reference.

In the patents, published applications, and applications incorporatedherein by reference, authentication of distribution devices 105 can becarried out in similar manners to those described therein with regard tothe local device. However, as will be recognized, a variety of otherapproaches and techniques can be used to adapt to various needs andcircumstances.

2. Receiving Broadcasts

In one embodiment, one or more distribution devices 105 can receivebroadcasts comprising content and/or data (Block 600 of FIG. 6). Thebroadcasts can be received from various broadcast systems 100corresponding to respective broadcasters. The broadcast systems 100 maybe OTA broadcast systems, satellite broadcast systems, cable broadcastsystems, and/or the like. The following descriptions are provided in thecontext of an OTA broadcast system and OTA broadcasts; however,embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this particulararchitecture.

As will be recognized, embodiments of the present invention can be usedin a variety of settings, such as homes, offices, ballparks, conferencecenters, hotels, theme parks, golf courses, beaches, stadiums, arenas,parks, apartment complexes, industrial complexes, airports, trainstations, airplanes, buses, subways, and/or the like. The followingembodiment is described in the context of an airport (e.g., Eastern IowaAirport, Waterloo Regional Airport, or Dubuque Regional Airport)providing broadcasts to parties at the airport as a free service,pay-per-use service, and/or the like. Although the following embodimentsdescribe an implementation at an airport, such embodiments are providedfor illustrative purposes only and are not limiting to embodiments ofthe present invention. Further, although much of the followingdescription makes references to a single distribution device 105,multiple distribution devices and/or related entities that are adaptedto perform the functions, operations, and/or processes described hereinmay also be used.

In one embodiment, a distribution device 105 can receive all OTA thebroadcasts for its associated broadcast area (e.g., DMA, zip code, blockgroup, census tract, cartographic level, government-establishedarea/zone, geographic area, and/or the like)—provided it is within theappropriate range. For instance, a distribution device 105 positionedwithin or proximate the Eastern Iowa Airport, Waterloo Regional Airport,or Dubuque Regional Airport can simultaneously or substantiallysimultaneously receive OTA broadcasts for broadcast area 637 (CedarRapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuque broadcast area). The OTA broadcastersfor broadcast area 637 (Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Iowa City-Dubuquebroadcast area) are provided below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 BROADCASTER AFFILIATION KCRG ABC KFXA FOX KFXB FOX KGAN CBS KIINPBS KPXR ION KRIN PBS KWKB The CW KWWF AMG TV KWWL NBC

Thus, a distribution device 105 positioned within the Eastern IowaAirport, Waterloo Regional Airport, or Dubuque Regional Airport cansimultaneously or substantially simultaneously receive OTA broadcastsfrom KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN, KPXR, KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL.In one embodiment, this may be possible by the distribution device 105having multiple tuners, tuner cards, and/or receivers thatsimultaneously or substantially simultaneously receive these OTAbroadcasts. For example, each tuner or tuner card in the distributiondevice 105 may be configured to receive a single OTA broadcast. That is,there may be a designated tuner or tuner card in the distribution device105 for each respective broadcast from KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN,KPXR, KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL.

In one embodiment, such OTA broadcasts can be received in a variety ofbroadcast formats—e.g., standards, protocols, display resolutions(vertical and horizontal), aspect ratios, pixel aspect ratios (e.g.,square, non-square), scanning (e.g., progressive, interlaced, etc.),frame/field rates, containers, codecs, and/or the like. For example,ATSC, ISDB-T, T-DMB, DVB-T, DVB-H, DTMB, STiMi, NTSC, DBS, TVRO, DOCSIS,and/or the like may define the standards, protocols, displayresolutions, aspect ratios, pixel aspect ratios, scanning, frame/fieldrates, containers, and/or codecs that can be used with each format.Typically, these formats require substantial bandwidth for thetransmission of their broadcasts (e.g., comprising data and/or content).The bandwidth may range, for example, from 19 megabits per second (Mbps)to 39 Mbps depending on the type of broadcast and the content and/ordata being carried. Because of the bandwidth required, such formats arenot necessarily optimized for viewing on mobile devices 110 that may besubject bandwidth constraints or usage charges.

3. Transcoding Broadcasts, Encrypting Broadcasts, and BroadcastingTranscoded Broadcasts

After receiving such OTA broadcasts (Block 605 of FIG. 6), thedistribution device 105 (via one or more transcoding elements 400) mayprovide for conversion of the broadcasts (comprising content and/ordata). In one embodiment, the distribution device 105 may transcode eachbroadcast it receives. Continuing with the above example, thedistribution device 105 may individually transcode each respective OTAbroadcast receives from KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN, KPXR, KRIN, KWKB,KWWF, and KWWL.

In one embodiment, transcoding may be performed by the distributiondevice 105 to optimize the broadcasts (comprising content and/or data)for viewing on mobile devices 110. For example, transcoding a broadcastmay convert the OTA broadcast to a lower bit rate, for example, or froman incompatible or obsolete format to a better-supported or modernformat. For instance, the distribution device 105 can receive the firstOTA broadcast in an OTA broadcast format (e.g., first format) andtranscode the OTA broadcast to a transcoded broadcast format (e.g.,second format), such as H.264, H.263, FLV, HTML5, VP6, VP8, various MPEGformats, and/or the like. Certain of these formats may allow eachtranscoded broadcast to be broadcast using 1 Mbps to 1.5 Mbps (includingredundancy) of bandwidth, instead of 19 Mbps to 39 Mbps of bandwidth.

In one embodiment, after transcoding the OTA broadcasts, thedistribution device 105 may further prepare the transcoded broadcasts tobe broadcast. In one embodiment, this may require encrypting(individually or collectively) the transcoded broadcasts using a one ormore encryption schemes or techniques. For example, in one embodiment,the transcoded broadcasts may be encrypted using encryption approaches,such as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS),Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2), Wi-FiProtected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK). As will be recognized,embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theabove-described approaches. Thus, a variety of symmetric and/orasymmetric encryption techniques can be used to adapt to various needsand circumstances, including Blowfish, Advanced Encryption Standard(AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES), Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA),Diffie-Hellman encryption, and/or the like.

In one embodiment, such encryption keys can be managed by a secure keyexchange entity (e.g., operating one or more secure key exchangecomputing devices), for example. This may allow the encryption keys tobe distributed to the appropriate parties (e.g., distribution devices105 and/or modules, programs, and/or applications executing onregistered mobile devices 110) periodically, regularly, continuously,and/or in response to certain triggers via the secure key exchangeentity (e.g., operating one or more secure key exchange computingdevices). This may also allow the keys to be rolled or changedperiodically, regularly, continuously, and/or in response to certaintriggers for security reasons.

In one embodiment, by encrypting the transcoded broadcasts using theappropriate encryption key(s) provided via the secure key exchange(e.g., one or more secure key exchange computing devices), thetranscoded broadcasts that are transmitted/broadcast by the distributiondevice 105 are not necessarily distributed using a normal streamingprotocol. Rather, in this embodiment, only modules, programs, and/orapplications executing on registered mobile devices 110 can catch, tunein, understand, and/or similar words used herein interchangeably theencrypted, transcoded broadcasts that are transmitted/broadcast by thedistribution device 105. In addition to controlling access, thisapproach can be used to monitor usage, provide supplemental advertisingopportunities, and/or a variety of other features.

In a particular embodiment, the distribution device 105 can thentransmit/broadcast the transcoded broadcasts (Block 610 of FIG. 6). In aparticular embodiment, the distribution device 105 cantransmit/broadcast the transcoded broadcasts (and in certain casesencrypted) by broadcasting User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packets to abroadcast address via WiFi. For instance, one or more distributiondevices 105 positioned within the Eastern Iowa Airport, WaterlooRegional Airport, or Dubuque Regional Airport can transmit/broadcast thetranscoded broadcasts initially received as OTA broadcasts from KCRG,KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, KIIN, KPXR, KRIN, KWKB, KWWF, and/or KWWL using WiFi,for example. Further, as previously described, Wi-Fi may have abroadcast range of up to 110 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, whichcan be extended by using multiple distribution devices 105, repeaters,or similar computing devices placed in different locations and/or usingother techniques and approaches. Thus, the mobile devices 110 within therange of the distribution device 105 may vary based on the correspondingnetwork configuration and/or the transmission environment.

In one embodiment, because the transcoded broadcast is in a lower bitrate (e.g., using 1 Mbps to 1.5 Mbps instead of 19 Mbps to 39 Mbps),multiple transcoded broadcasts may be transmitted/broadcast via a singleWiFi channel. For instance, assuming a typical WiFi channel hasapproximately 15 Mbps of bandwidth available for transmission/broadcast,the distribution device 105 can transmit/broadcast multiple transcodedbroadcasts (and in certain cases encrypted) on a single channel. Forinstance, one or more distribution devices 105 positioned within theEastern Iowa Airport, Waterloo Regional Airport, or Dubuque RegionalAirport can simultaneously or substantially simultaneouslytransmit/broadcast the transcoded broadcasts initially received as OTAbroadcasts from KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, and KIIN on a first WiFichannel. And the one or more distribution devices 105 positioned withinthe Eastern Iowa Airport, Waterloo Regional Airport, or Dubuque RegionalAirport can simultaneously or substantially simultaneouslytransmit/broadcast the transcoded broadcasts initially received as OTAbroadcasts from KCRG, KFXA, KFXB, KGAN, and KIIN on a second WiFichannel. Thus, the embodiments described herein are scalable and can beused to adapt to various needs and circumstances.

4. Receiving Transcoded Broadcasts

In one embodiment, for a mobile device 110 to receive transcodedbroadcasts (and in certain cases encrypted) that aretransmitted/broadcast from a distribution device 105, the mobile device110 may need the ability to catch, tune in, and/or understand (e.g.,receive and decrypt) the transcoded broadcast as previously noted. Inone embodiment, this ability may be provided by the use of a module,program, or application that has been downloaded or preinstalled (e.g.,is resident) on the mobile device 110. A third-party company (such asSyncbak) may provide such modules, programs, and/or applications. Forexample, Syncbak may provide modules, programs, and/or applications forthe Eastern Iowa Airport, Waterloo Regional Airport, and/or DubuqueRegional Airport for patrons to use when at the airports. And in turn,the respective airports may use the modules, programs, and/orapplications to provide the broadcasts to their customers as a freeservice, pay-per-use service, and/or the like. With the third-partymodules, programs, and/or applications executing on mobile devices 110,the mobile devices 110 to catch, tune in, and/or understand (e.g.,receive and decrypt) the encrypted, transcoded broadcasts that aretransmitted/broadcast by the distribution device 105.

In one embodiment, to catch, tune in, and/or understand (e.g., receiveand decrypt) the encrypted, transcoded broadcasts, the module, program,or application executing on the mobile device 110 may require that themobile device 110 be registered. Registration may require providing userinformation via the application executing on the mobile device 110 to anappropriate computing device. The user information may include a varietyof information associated with the user and/or the mobile device 110.For example, the user information may include (a) the user's first andlast name, (b) the user's address, (c) the user's zip code, (d) theuser's telephone number, (e) a username, (f) a charge card number, (g) adistribution device identifier (e.g., Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)number, Media Access Control (MAC) address, International MobileSubscriber Identity (IMSI) number, an Internet Protocol (IP) address,mobile equipment identifier (MEID)), and/or (h) the like. The userinformation may be used to uniquely identify the user and/or the mobiledevice 110. Further, the user information can be used to create a useraccount with the user information and electronically store at least aportion of the user information in association with the user account.The user account and/or user information may be used to receivebroadcasts from the distribution device 105.

In one embodiment, once properly registered, the modules, programs,and/or applications executing on mobile devices 110 may operate incompliance with one or more encryption schemes or techniques, such asWEP, WPS, WPA, WPA2, WPA-PSK, and/or the like as described above withreference to the distribution device 105. For instance, the modules,programs, and/or applications executing on registered mobile devices 110can receive the appropriate encryption keys to decrypt the encrypted,transcoded broadcasts via a secure key exchange entity (e.g., operatingone or more secure key exchange computing devices). This may allow theencryption keys to be distributed to the appropriate parties (e.g.,modules, programs, and/or applications executing on registered mobiledevices 110) periodically, regularly, continuously, and/or in responseto certain triggers via the secure key exchange entity (e.g., operatingone or more secure key exchange computing devices). This may also allowthe keys to be rolled or changed periodically, regularly, continuously,and/or in response to certain triggers.

In one embodiment, the encrypted, transcoded broadcasts can be decryptedusing the appropriate encryption key(s) via the modules, programs,and/or applications executing on registered mobile devices 110. Thisapproach can be used to limit what mobile devices 110 can catch, tunein, and/or understand (e.g., receive and decrypt) the encrypted,transcoded broadcasts. Further, this approach does not require bandwidthto be not allocated on a per-user basis. Moreover, in a WiFienvironment, a user's data plan is note required; rather, any devicewithin range of the distribution device 105 and with ability to catch,tune in, and/or understand (e.g., receive and decrypt) the encrypted,transcoded broadcasts can do so and cause display of the same. Thus, anymobile device 110 within range, for example, and with the appropriateability to properly receive and decrypt the transcoded broadcasts (e.g.,catch, tune in, and/or understand) can cause display of the same via themobile device 110 (see FIG. 9).

In one embodiment, a guide can be transmitted/broadcast as a defaultchannel that will be displayed by the mobile device 110 when initiatingthe module, program, and/or application executing on a registered mobiledevice 110. For instance, an exemplary guide is shown in FIG. 8. Viasuch an interactive guide, a user (e.g., operating a mobile device 110)can select the channel he or she wishes to access via the module,program, and/or application executing on a registered mobile device 110.For instance, the user may select to access the World Series broadcastbeing transmitted/broadcast by the distribution device 105 as anencrypted, transcoded broadcast via WiFi. After receiving the encrypted,transcoded broadcast, the mobile device 110 can decrypt and causedisplay of the same. Continuing with the above example, a user waitingat a gate for his or her airplane in the Eastern Iowa Airport, WaterlooRegional Airport, or Dubuque Regional Airport can watch the World Serieson his or her mobile device 105 via WiFi without incurring any data planor bandwidth charges. As will be recognized, a variety of otherapproaches and techniques can be used to adapt to various needs andcircumstances.

IV. Conclusion

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for wirelessly providing at leastone transcoded broadcast to mobile devices, the method comprising:receiving, via a distribution device, an over-the-air broadcast from abroadcast system, wherein the over-the-air broadcast (a) is associatedwith a broadcast area, (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format, and(c) comprises at least one television broadcast; transcoding, via thedistribution device, the over-the-air broadcast in the over-the-airbroadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcastformat; and wirelessly broadcasting, via the distribution device, thetranscoded broadcast to a plurality of mobile devices located within awireless broadcast range, wherein the wireless broadcast range is withinthe broadcast area.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingauthenticating the distribution device as being associated with thebroadcast area.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein wirelesslybroadcasting the transcoded broadcast is via WiFi.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein wirelessly broadcasting the transcoded broadcastcomprises encrypting the transcoded broadcast.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the broadcast area is selected from the group consisting of adesignated market area, a zip code, a block group, and agovernment-established area.
 6. An apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code, theat least one memory and the computer program code configured to, withthe processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive an over-the-airbroadcast from a broadcast system, wherein the over-the-air broadcast(a) is associated with a broadcast area, (b) is in an over-the-airbroadcast format, and (c) comprises at least one television broadcast;transcode the over-the-air broadcast in the over-the-air broadcastformat to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format; andwirelessly broadcast the transcoded broadcast to a plurality of mobiledevices located within a wireless broadcast range, wherein the wirelessbroadcast range is within the broadcast area.
 7. The apparatus of claim6, wherein the memory and computer program code are further configuredto, with the processor, cause the apparatus to authenticate thedistribution device as being associated with the broadcast area.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein wirelessly broadcasting the transcodedbroadcast is via WiFi.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein wirelesslybroadcasting the transcoded broadcast comprises encrypting thetranscoded broadcast.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein thebroadcast area is selected from the group consisting of a designatedmarket area, a zip code, a block group, and a government-establishedarea.
 11. A computer program product for providing at least onetranscoded broadcast to mobile devices, the computer program productcomprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program code portions stored therein, thecomputer-readable program code portions comprising: an executableportion configured to receive an over-the-air broadcast from a broadcastsystem, wherein the over-the-air broadcast (a) is associated with abroadcast area, (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format, and (c)comprises at least one television broadcast; an executable portionconfigured to transcode the over-the-air broadcast in the over-the-airbroadcast format to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcastformat; and an executable portion configured to wirelessly broadcast thetranscoded broadcast to a plurality of mobile devices located within awireless broadcast range, wherein the wireless broadcast range is withinthe broadcast area.
 12. The computer program product of claim 11 furthercomprising an executable portion configured to authenticate thedistribution device as being associated with the broadcast area.
 13. Thecomputer program product of claim 11, wherein wirelessly broadcastingthe transcoded broadcast is via WiFi.
 14. The computer program productof claim 11, wherein wirelessly broadcasting the transcoded broadcastcomprises encrypting the transcoded broadcast.
 15. The computer programproduct of claim 11, wherein the broadcast area is selected from thegroup consisting of a designated market area, a zip code, a block group,and a government-established area.
 16. A method for wirelessly providingtranscoded broadcasts to mobile devices, the method comprising:receiving, via a distribution device, a plurality of over-the-airbroadcasts from respective broadcast systems, wherein each of theplurality of over-the-air broadcasts (a) is associated with a broadcastarea, (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format, and (c) comprises atleast one television broadcast; transcoding, via the distributiondevice, each of the plurality of over-the-air broadcasts to a transcodedbroadcast in a transcoded broadcast format; and wirelessly broadcasting,via the distribution device, each of the plurality of transcodedbroadcasts to a plurality of mobile devices located within a wirelessbroadcast range, wherein the wireless broadcast range is within thebroadcast area.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprisingauthenticating the distribution device as being associated with thebroadcast area.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein wirelesslybroadcasting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcasts is via WiFi.19. The method of claim 16, wherein wirelessly broadcasting each of theplurality of transcoded broadcasts comprises encrypting each of theplurality of transcoded broadcasts.
 20. The method of claim 16, whereinthe broadcast area is selected from the group consisting of a designatedmarket area, a zip code, a block group, and a government-establishedarea.
 21. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at leastone memory including computer program code, the at least one memory andthe computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to at least: receive a plurality of over-the-air broadcastsfrom respective broadcast systems, wherein each of the plurality ofover-the-air broadcasts (a) is associated with a broadcast area, (b) isin an over-the-air broadcast format, and (c) comprises at least onetelevision broadcast; transcode each of the plurality of over-the-airbroadcasts to a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format;and wirelessly broadcast each of the plurality of transcoded broadcaststo a plurality of mobile devices located within a wireless broadcastrange, wherein the wireless broadcast range is within the broadcastarea.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the memory and computerprogram code are further configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus to authenticate the distribution device as being associatedwith the broadcast area.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, whereinwirelessly broadcasting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcastsis via WiFi.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein wirelesslybroadcasting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcasts comprisesencrypting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcasts.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the broadcast area is selected from thegroup consisting of a designated market area, a zip code, a block group,and a government-established area.
 26. A computer program product forwirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices, thecomputer program product comprising at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program codeportions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portionscomprising: an executable portion configured to receive a plurality ofover-the-air broadcasts from respective broadcast systems, wherein eachof the plurality of over-the-air broadcasts (a) is associated with abroadcast area (b) is in an over-the-air broadcast format, and (c)comprises at least one television broadcast; an executable portionconfigured to transcode each of the plurality of over-the-air broadcaststo a transcoded broadcast in a transcoded broadcast format; and anexecutable portion configured to wirelessly broadcast each of theplurality of transcoded broadcasts to a plurality of mobile deviceslocated within a wireless broadcast range, wherein the wirelessbroadcast range is within the broadcast area.
 27. The computer programproduct of claim 26 further comprising an executable portion configuredto authenticate the distribution device as being associated with thebroadcast area.
 28. The computer program product of claim 26, whereinwirelessly broadcasting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcastsis via WiFi.
 29. The computer program product of claim 26, whereinwirelessly broadcasting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcastscomprises encrypting each of the plurality of transcoded broadcasts. 30.The computer program product of claim 26, wherein the broadcast area isselected from the group consisting of a designated market area, a zipcode, a block group, and a government-established area.